A reaction-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for mercury ion detection in aqueous solution

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mercury ions (Hg2+) pose significant environmental and health risks due to bioaccumulation and resistance to degradation.
• Sensitive and selective detection methods for mercury ions are crucial for environmental monitoring and biological safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, selective, and sensitive fluorescent probe for the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+).
• To investigate the detection mechanism and apply the probe in biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a hydroxyphenylbenzothiazole (HBT)-based fluorescent probe (HBT-Hg).
• Spectroscopic analysis (fluorescence) to determine probe selectivity and sensitivity towards Hg2+ in PBS buffer.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to elucidate the response mechanism.
• Application of the probe for Hg2+ monitoring in living A549 cells.

Main Results:

• The HBT-Hg probe was synthesized efficiently.
• The probe exhibited selective and sensitive ratiometric fluorescence response (blue to light green) to Hg2+.
• HPLC analysis confirmed the probe converts to its precursor (compound 1) upon reaction with Hg2+.
• Successful application of HBT-Hg for intracellular Hg2+ detection in A549 cells.

Conclusions:

• The HBT-Hg probe is a promising tool for simple, sensitive, and selective detection of mercury ions.
• The probe's ability to monitor intracellular mercury ions opens avenues for biological and environmental studies.
• This development contributes to addressing the challenges posed by mercury ion contamination.